Vehicle wash apparatus with an adjustable boom

ABSTRACT

An automatic vehicle washing system is described. The vehicle washing system incorporates an elongated overhead cleaning platform for cleaning the front, top and rear surfaces of a vehicle. The overhead cleaning platform is attached to a single lift mechanism at a first end and is suspended from a belt at a second end, wherein the belt is also operatively connected to the first end. Accordingly, vertical movement of the lift actuator causes both ends of the platform to uniformly rise or descend. The platform further comprises a pivotal boom with fluid nozzles attached thereto, and a reciprocating pivotal actuator. The reciprocating pivotal actuator is capable of pivotal movement to any number of angular orientations within its operative range of motion. Advantageously, the pivotal and vertical positions of the nozzles can be independently varied, permitting the location of the overhead cleaning nozzles to be optimized for various vehicle profiles.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.09/849,763, filed May 4, 2001, and is hereby incorporated by referenceas if fully disclosed herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to automatic vehiclewashing systems and, more particularly, to an overhead cleaning platformcapable of independent vertical and pivotal positioning of a pluralityof nozzles attached thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] “Brushless” automated vehicle washing systems are commonlyutilized to quickly and efficiently clean vehicles without requiring anyhand scrubbing or contact between cleaning members and the exterior of avehicle. Brushless vehicle washing systems utilize jets of pressurizedcleaning fluid sprayed from a plurality of nozzles to wash away dirt andgrime from the exterior surfaces of a vehicle. In one common type ofwashing system, the nozzles are commonly arranged in a gantry. Thegantry either 1) passes over and around the vehicle or 2) is stationaryand the vehicle passes through it. In either instance, the nozzlesdirect jets of cleaning fluid over most if not the entire exteriorsurface of the vehicle.

[0004] The cleaning efficiency and effectiveness of a vehicle washingsystem is largely dependent upon two factors: the force at which thepressurized cleaning fluid impinges on the vehicle surface; and theeffective area on the vehicle's surface impacted by the pressurizedcleaning fluid. In order to effectively clean the entire surface of avehicle, the cleaning fluid jet must impact the adjacent surface with arequisite amount of force in order to dislodge any dirt or foreignmatter resident on the adjacent surface. The amount of force per unitarea imparted on the adjacent surface is dependent on several factorsincluding the speed and angle at which the jet of cleaning fluid impactsthe adjacent surface. As the distance between the nozzle and theadjacent surface increases, the speed of the cleaning fluid decreases;also the jet begins to fan increasing the impact area on the adjacentsurface, thereby spreading the impact force over a greater area, andreducing cleaning effectiveness. Accordingly, those parts of a vehiclethat are furthest from the nozzles may not be adequately cleaned.

[0005] Typically, gantry-type cleaning systems have the most difficultycleaning the front and rear of a vehicle, since the nozzles located atthe sides and top of the gantry normally direct jets of cleaning fluidparallel or at a very shallow angle to the vehicle's front and rearsurfaces. Gantry-type washing systems have been developed whereinoverhead nozzles are mounted on moveable platforms that (1) pivot toincrease the angle of incidence between the fluid jet and the front andrear surfaces of the vehicle, (2) move vertically to decrease thedistance between the nozzles and front and rear surfaces, or (3) bothpivot and move vertically. The last type of moveable platform ispreferred, wherein the platform maybe lowered to get close to front orrear surfaces and pivoted so that the fluid jets impact the surface at adesired angle.

[0006] Despite what type of vehicle washing system is utilized, vehicleowners often desire the option of applying additional specialtysolutions to their vehicle, such as spot free rinse solutions and clearsolutions. Both of these solutions are relatively expensive whencompared to the other liquids used during the wash cycle such as water.Accordingly, it is desirable to minimize waste of the specialtysolutions, while maximizing coverage of the vehicle's surface. Currentart gantry-systems apply these solutions in a number of ways. Using onemethod, specialty solutions may be applied through the samehigh-pressure nozzles that are utilized to apply the cleaning andrinsing solutions. This is undesirable for at least two reasons: one,the specialty solution left in the supply lines must be purged prior tothe beginning of the next vehicle wash; and two, the use of a highpressure delivery device might deliver a greater than necessary volumeof specialty solution to the vehicle as the gantry traverses thevehicle's length. The result is an inefficient use of the expensivespecialty solutions. It is noted that high-pressure delivery ofspecialty fluid is rarely necessary since specialty solutions arechemical cleaners, not dynamic cleaners; accordingly, the primary goalwhen applying a specialty solution is simply to obtain complete vehiclecoverage.

[0007] Another method utilized to apply specialty solutions has been tospray the specialty fluid, often in the form of a foam, onto the sidesof the vehicle from discharge openings spaced along vertical dispensingtubes attached to the gantry's side legs. The problem of inefficiency isminimized, since there is no need to purge the dedicated specialty fluiddelivery system after each vehicle wash. Unfortunately, these verticallymounted delivery systems have difficulty in delivering solution in amanner that completely covers the top surfaces of a vehicle as there isoften little impetus for the applied specialty solution to flow alongthe horizontal top surfaces of the vehicle, especially when the solutionis in the form of a foam.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] An automatic vehicle washing system is described. In oneembodiment, a vertically moveable platform is suspended from a left endwhile being supported from below on the right end. One or more nozzlesare coupled with the platform for spraying jets of cleaning fluid ontothe surface of a vehicle. Preferably, the left end of the platform issuspended by a belt, cable or chain wherein the belt, cable or chain isslideably coupled to the frame and ultimately connected to the right endof the platform for uniform vertical movement therewith. The right endof the platform is supported by a lift actuator. Accordingly, when thelift actuator is actuated to lift the right end of the platform, thebelt, cable or chain slides through the frame coupling and is pulledupwards at its junction with the left end, causing the left end to risein unison with the right end.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the lift actuator is pneumatic and incommunication with a compressor to provide the pressurized air necessaryto lift and lower the platform. A pressurized air tank may be providedto serve as a backup in case of a power failure or car wash systemmalfunction. The air tank may be coupled to a pneumatic switch whichautomatically opens and allows pressurized air into the lift actuator toraise the platform to its topmost position should power to thecompressor be interrupted. In other embodiments, a mechanical liftactuator that uses a lead screw, a drive screw or a drive belt may beused in place of a pneumatic lift.

[0010] Typically, the platform comprises a pivoting boom attached to areciprocating pivotal actuator. A plurality of cleaning nozzles arecoupled with the boom and by pivoting the boom; the angle of the fluidjets emanating from the nozzles can be changed. In a first variation ofthe pivoting boom, mechanical stops are utilized to set the clockwiseand counterclockwise pivoted positions of the boom, thereby varying theangle of the fluid jets off vertical. In a second variation of thepivoting boom, the actuator is utilized in conjunction with a guidedfollower arm. The follower arm permits a certain amount of pivotalmovement of the boom depending on the vertical location of the platform.In a third variation of the pivoting boom, the actuator is capable ofpivoting to a plurality of selected orientations and holding the boom atthat orientation. As necessary, sensors are utilized to determine thedesired pivotal orientation of the boom.

[0011] The nozzles may be coupled to the boom in any suitable fashion,although in one embodiment the nozzles are coupled to the boom by way ofrotating wand assemblies wherein the nozzles are attached to the ends ofone or more wands. In another embodiment, nozzle-tipped wands mayreciprocate about a pivot point on the boom. The nozzles may also bedirectly attached to the boom. The nozzles may be 0-degree nozzles,turbo nozzles, slow rotating turbo nozzles, oscillating nozzles or anyother type, or combination thereof.

[0012] In the preferred embodiment, one or more low pressure fluidconduits with low pressure nozzles attached thereto are attached to abottom surface of the horizontal span of the gantry, wherein specialtyfluids such as clear coats and spot free rinses may be sprayed on thetop of the vehicle. Additionally, low-pressure fluid conduits may beprovided on either leg of the gantry to spray the fluids onto the sideof the vehicle. By providing a low-pressure conduit for each specialtyfluid, the conduits need not be flushed to change fluids. Furthermore,by utilizing specialized individual conduits, specialty fluid efficiencyis enhanced. The overhead and side locations of the conduits ensuresaccurate and adequate application of fluid to all surfaces of thevehicle. In one embodiment, clear coat (or drying agent) conduits arelocated proximate either the front or rear face of the gantry and spotfree rinse (or soft water) conduits are located proximate the other ofthe front or rear face of the gantry, wherein both specialty solutionscan be applied in a single pass of the gantry over the vehicle.

[0013] In the preferred embodiment a series of turbo nozzles are locatedon the inside surfaces of the gantry legs. The nozzles are located atvertical positions generally corresponding to the locations of a rockerpanel on a vehicle, the middle of a vehicle and the upper portion of avehicle. Typically, the plurality of nozzles in each leg are suppliedhigh pressure fluid from a common source and are capable of concurrentoperation. One or more solenoids or switches may be provided wherein thenozzles corresponding to the upper or lower portions of the vehicle maybe turned on or off independently of the other nozzles. The integrationof the rocker panel nozzles and the side nozzles to the same fluidsource permit both a side rinse and rocker panel blast to occur in thesame pass.

[0014] Other aspects, features and details of the present invention canbe more completely understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of the preferred and selected alternative embodiments, takenin conjunction with the drawings, and from the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a gantry-type washing system withan automobile positioned in-between the gantry.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a fragmentary section taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a fragmentary section taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 4 is an enlarged section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a fragmentary section taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 2 &3.

[0020]FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line 6-6 ofFIG. 5.

[0021]FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

[0022]FIG. 8 is a section similar to FIG. 7 with components in adifferent position.

[0023]FIG. 9 is a fragmentary isometric of the pivoting boom assembly.

[0024]FIG. 10 is a fragmentary isometric illustrating the left end ofthe pivoting boom assembly.

[0025]FIG. 11 is a fragmentary isometric illustrating the right end ofthe pivoting boom assembly.

[0026]FIG. 12 is a fragmentary isometric of the pivoting moveableplatform illustrating the downward vertical movement of the boom and theoperation of the rotating wands.

[0027]FIG. 13 is a fragmentary isometric of the pivoting moveableplatform similar to FIG. 12 illustrating the orientation of the pivotingboom after a clockwise rotation.

[0028]FIG. 14 is a fragmentary isometric of the pivoting moveableplatform similar to FIG. 12 illustrating the orientation of the pivotingboom after a counterclockwise rotation.

[0029]FIG. 15 is a fragmentary isometric of a portion of a firstalternative pivoting moveable platform that utilizes reciprocating wandsand turbo nozzles in place of the rotating wands.

[0030]FIG. 16 is a fragmentary top plan view illustration of thealternative pivoting moveable platform showing the spray pattern of theturbo nozzles.

[0031]FIG. 17 is a fragmentary top plan view illustration of the firstalternative pivoting moveable platform showing the range ofreciprocating movement of the wands.

[0032]FIG. 18 is a section taken along line 18-18 of FIG. 16.

[0033]FIGS. 19 and 20 are fragmentary isometric views looking at theoutside and inside respectively of the left leg of the gantry in analternative tilting mechanism.

[0034]FIG. 21 is top view of the bay of a vehicle wash systemillustrating the wheel stops and vehicle guide members.

[0035]FIG. 22 is an enlarged isometric view of the wheel stop and theguide platform of the outside vehicle guide member.

[0036]FIG. 23 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along lines 23-23of FIG. 2 illustrating a series of turbo nozzles.

[0037]FIG. 24 is an enlarged section similar to FIG. 4 illustrating avariation in the configuration of the low pressure delivery tubes.

[0038]FIGS. 25 and 26 are side views of one leg of the gantry with cutaway portions illustrating a pivoting boom centering mechanism accordingto one variation of the present invention.

[0039]FIG. 27 is a fragmentary isometric of a portion of a variation ofthe first alternative moveable platform that utilizes reciprocating wandattached to a twin tube boom.

[0040]FIG. 28 is a fragmentary isometric of a portion of anothervariation of the first alternative moveable platform that utilizesreciprocating wand attached to a twin tube boom.

[0041]FIGS. 29 and 30 are fragmentary isometrics of a portion of asecond alternative pivoting moveable platform that utilizes turbonozzles attached directly to a twin tube boom in place of the rotatingor pivoting wand assemblies.

[0042]FIGS. 31 and 32 are sectional views of the second alternativepivoting moveable platform taken along lines 31-31 and 32-32 of FIGS. 29and 30 respectively.

[0043]FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating the operations performedduring a four pass vehicle wash cycle.

[0044]FIG. 34 is vertical section of a turbo nozzle.

[0045]FIG. 35 is an isometric view of a rotating nozzle member of aturbo nozzle.

[0046]FIG. 36 is a section of the rotating nozzle member taken alongline 36-36 of FIG. 35.

[0047]FIG. 37 is a section of the turbo nozzle taken along line 37-37 ofFIG. 34.

[0048]FIG. 38 is a section of the rotating turbo nozzle taken along line38-38 of FIG. 34.

[0049]FIG. 39 is a section of the turbo nozzle taken along line 39-39 ofFIG. 34.

[0050]FIG. 40 is a section similar to FIG. 39 illustrating a variationof the rotating nozzle member at line 39-39.

[0051]FIG. 41 is a partial section of a prior art fast rotating turbonozzle taken along lines 36-36 of FIG. 34 having a single inlet orificeinto the nozzle body.

[0052]FIG. 42 is a partial section of a slow rotating turbo nozzle takenalong lines 36-36 of FIG. 34 having four inlet orifices into the nozzlebody.

[0053]FIG. 43 is a exploded isometric view of an oscillating nozzle.

[0054]FIG. 44 is a fragmentary isometric of an oscillating nozzleshowing atypical spray pattern of an oscillating nozzle

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] A gantry-type vehicle washing system in accordance with thepresent invention incorporates a single pneumatic cylinder to lift andlower both sides of an overhead cleaning platform in cooperation with adrive belt, eliminating the need to coordinate movement between twolifting mechanisms located on either ends of the platform. The platformincludes a reciprocating pivotal actuator that is coupled with a boomsuch that the boom can be pivoted. A plurality of fluid delivery nozzlesare coupled to the boom. Advantageously, the pivotal movement of theboom is operationally independent from the vertical movement, thuspermitting greater adaptability of the washing system to vehicles ofdiffering profiles. Furthermore, one or more low-pressure conduits aredisposed lengthwise across the top span of the gantry and verticallyalong the legs of the gantry with nozzles spaced thereon to deliverspecialty fluids to the top and sides of the vehicle. Nozzles locatednear the end of the manifolds may be angled inwardly slightly as toinsure the specialty fluids impact the vehicle. One set of conduits fora first type of fluid, such as a clear coat, may be located near oneface of the gantry and another set of conduits for a second type offluid, such as a spot free rinse, may be located near the other face ofthe gantry. Advantageously, during a single pass of the gantry over thevehicle, the first type of fluid may be applied to the vehicle as theone face passes overhead, and the second type of fluid applied to thevehicle as the other face passes overhead shortly thereafter. Finally, aswitch or solenoid is provided, wherein the fluid supply to the upperhigh pressure nozzles on each gantry leg can be shut off withoutinterrupting the fluid supply to the lower high pressure nozzles.Additionally, another switch or solenoid is provided wherein both theupper and lower nozzles on a gantry leg can be turned off during a washcycle while the high pressure nozzles associated with the moveableplatform can continue to operate. Accordingly, depending on the profileof the vehicle being washed, the upper nozzles can be turned off whentheir fluid jets would not impact the side of the vehicle and both theupper and lower nozzles can be turned off when the gantry is in front ofor behind the vehicle such as when the front or rear surfaces of thevehicle are being washed.

A FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0056] A first embodiment of a gantry type vehicle washing system 100 inaccordance with the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 1-14 and21-26.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the gantry type vehicle washing system 100comprises a gantry structure 105, gantry guide rails 110, and vehicleguide members 112. Generally, the gantry structure 105 includes theplumbing and mechanicals necessary to effectively clean a vehicle 120,such as an automobile, truck, van or SUV, as will be described in detailherein. In the preferred embodiment, the gantry structure 105 movesreciprocally along the length of a vehicle on gantry guide rails 110.Rail wheels and a motor (neither shown) are contained within the gantrystructure 105 to propel it back and forth. It is to be understood thatin alternative embodiments, movement of the gantry structure relative tothe vehicle being cleaned could be accomplished in any conceivablemanner with or without the use of rails 110 that would be obvious to oneof skill in the art. For instance, automobile 120 may merely drivethrough a fixed and stationary gantry structure. In another instance,the gantry 105 could be suspended from a ceiling and slide or roll alongguides provided therein. Vehicle guide members 112 are also provided tohelp the driver of a vehicle properly position the vehicle under thegantry 105, at a proper distance from the sides of the gantry 105. Anexample of a gentry structure of the general type described is shown inU.S. Pat. No. 5,076,304 which is of common ownership with the presentinvention and which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0058] As illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, inside and outside vehicleguide members 112, 113 and 114 are provided. The left and right outsideguide members comprise both raised tubes 112 that run generally parallelto the gantry guide rails 110 and a guide platform 113 disposed on theinside of the raised tubes 112 that has inside vertical surfaces thatare angled inwardly towards a set of front tire stops 115. A vehicle 120enters the car wash by driving between the raised tubes 112. If thevehicle 120 approaches the front tire stops 115 too far to one side, theinside vertical surface of one of the guide platforms 113 impacts theoutside of the vehicle's front tire and guides the vehicle 120 towardsthe tire stops 115. The inside guide member 114 comprises a generallyV-shaped raised tubular structure that is centered relative to theinside surfaces of the left and right legs of the gantry with the vertexof the “V” facing the vehicle wash entrance. Accordingly, if the vehicle120 strays to the left or right as it approaches the tire stops 115, theinner guide member 114 impacts the inside of the vehicle's front tireand guides the vehicle back towards a center position. As can beappreciated, the shortest distance between the vertical surfaces of theouter guide member's guide platform 113 must be greater than the widesttrack of the type of vehicle the vehicle wash is designed to service.

[0059] In a prior art wash system with only an outside guide member, avehicle with a small track width can be positioned within the wash insuch a manner such that the distance between the nozzles on one leg ofthe gantry and one side of the vehicle is much smaller than the distancebetween the nozzles on the other leg and the other side of the vehicle.The inside guide member 114 has a maximum width at the opening of the“v” shape that is smaller than the shortest distance between the insidesurfaces of the tires on a vehicle having the smallest track that thevehicle wash system is designed to service. Advantageously, a vehiclewith a small track width that is too far to the left or the right uponentering the vehicle wash will be guided by the inside guide membertowards a center position between the left and right legs of the gantry,thereby minimizing the difference in distances between the side nozzlesand the respective side surfaces of the vehicle.

[0060] Referring again to FIG. 1, the typical gantry structure 105 is inthe form of an inverted-U having a left leg 205, a right leg 210, and atop span 215. Located along the front side of the gantry structure 105is a dryer apparatus 220 designed to blow high velocity air onto avehicle as the gantry 105 moves along and over the vehicle after thewash cycle has been completed. The high velocity air is generated by oneor more fans (not shown) contained within the dryer apparatus housingand blown through ducting 222 and out vents 224 located on the threeinside surfaces of the gantry 105. Alternative embodiments of thewashing system 100 may not incorporate a dryer apparatus 220 or theapparatus 220 may be separate from the gantry structure 105.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 2 & 3, a plurality of turbo nozzles 230 aredistributed on the inside surface of the left and right legs 205 & 210of the gantry structure 105 and are located in a vertical line betweenthe front and rear of each of the legs in the lower portion of the legscorresponding generally to the side surfaces of a vehicle. Theadvantages of turbo nozzles over traditional 0 degree nozzles will bediscussed in detail infra. Suffice it to say, the fluid jet from eachturbo nozzle more effectively cleans a given area of the vehicle surfacethan traditional nozzles, thereby either reducing (1) the number ofnozzles required or (2) the need to have the nozzles attached torotating wand assemblies. It is to be appreciated that both turbonozzles and traditional zero degree nozzles as described herein are highpressure nozzles wherein fluids supplied to these nozzles are underpressures typically in excess of 500 pounds per square inch (psi) toupwards of 1000 psi. The high pressure nozzles are typically utilized ina vehicle wash to supply a cleaning solution, which is typically water,to the surface of the vehicle in such a manner that the dirt and debrisis dynamically removed from the vehicle's surface.

[0062] A preferred configuration of the plurality of turbo nozzles 230,as illustrated in FIG. 23, comprises several rocker panel blasternozzles 230A, several middle nozzles 230B for cleaning the side of theautomobile and several upper nozzles 230C for cleaning the sides of thebody that are typically vertically located above the hood. The rockerpanel blasters 230A are typically high volume turbo nozzles that caneffectively dislodge the types of debris, such as mud, that canaccumulate on the rocker panels of a vehicle between washes. The middleand upper turbo nozzles 230B and 230C typically spray a lower volume ofsolution than the rocker panel blasters 230A since the middle and upperportions of a vehicle typically do have as much debris on them as therocker panels. Generally, the plurality of turbo nozzles 230 located ineach leg 105 of the gantry are connected in series to a manifold 236 andare turned on or off through a solenoid valve 237 located at the base ofthe manifold proximate a location where the manifold joins the solutionsupply line. Accordingly, the control system can control the supply ofsolution to the plurality of nozzles 230 depending on the operationbeing performed during a particular wash cycle. Additionally, a secondsolenoid valve 238 is provided along the manifold 236 between the middleand upper nozzles 230B and 230C such that the control system can turnthe flow of solution to the upper nozzles 230C off or on depending onthe location of the gantry relative to the side of a vehicle.Accordingly, the upper nozzles 230C can be turned off when the gantry istraveling over the hood or trunk of the vehicle since the jets emanatingfrom these nozzles would not impact the side of the vehicle or could beturned on when traveling over the cabin of the vehicle which is higheron the sides.

[0063] A variation of the plurality of turbo nozzles 230 is contemplatedwherein a third solenoid valve is specified to selectively control theflow of cleaning solution to the rocker panel blasters independent ofboth the middle and upper nozzles. It is to be appreciated that althoughthe series of nozzles described herein are connected to a manifold inseries, each of the sets of rocker panel, middle and upper nozzles canbe attached to the manifold or multiple manifolds in parallel as wouldbe appreciated by someone of ordinary skill in the art with the benefitof this disclosure.

[0064] Additionally, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, several low pressurepresoak solution nozzles 242 are distributed on the inner surface of thelegs and the top span. These nozzles are typically configured to spray adetergent solution onto the vehicle as the gantry 105 passes over it.The key consideration in locating the presoak nozzles 242 is to insurethat the vehicle can be completely covered in presoak solution. Therelative force per area at which the presoak solution impacts thesurface of the automobile is generally not important. Low pressurenozzles, such as the presoak nozzles and specialty solution applicationnozzles (as will be described below), typically operate at pressuresbetween 50 and 150 psi. Variations of the invention may incorporate anynumber of different configurations of side nozzles to perform both thepresoak and wash cycles as would be obvious to one of skill in the artwith the benefit of this disclosure.

[0065]FIG. 4 is a view looking up at the inside of the top span 215. Twolow-pressure fluid delivery tubes 235 (or manifolds) are locatedproximate the front and rear sides of the top span 215. Each of thefluid delivery tubes 235 is in operative connection with a reservoir ofspecialty fluid and a low-pressure pump (both not shown). Severallow-pressure nozzles 237 & 239 are distributed on each of thelow-pressure fluid delivery tubes 235 to spray specialty solutions, suchas a clear coat, a soft water rinse or a spot free rinse onto a vehicle.As with the application of presoak solution, the primary concern inapplying a clear coat is obtaining complete coverage of the surface of avehicle with relatively little concern regarding the force at which thesolution impacts the surface when compared to dynamic application ofcleaning solution by the high pressure nozzles. Although still lowpressure nozzles, the spot free rinse is typically applied at slightlyhigher pressures (around 100 psi) using nozzles that have a greatervolumetric capacity than the clear coat nozzles in order to induce a“squeegee” effect to ensure complete coverage of the vehicle. The lowpressure nozzles 237 located proximate the intersection between theinner surface of the left and right legs and the inside of the top spanmay be angled inwardly towards the side surfaces of the vehicle so thatthe specialty solution is sprayed thereon. Depending on the embodiment,additional specialty solution nozzles maybe located on the inside of theright and left legs 205 & 210 to insure complete coverage of the sidesurfaces. Although two low-pressure fluid delivery tubes 235 are shown,it is understood that alternative wash systems may have more or fewerlow-pressure fluid delivery tubes 235 located on the inside of the topspan 215.

[0066] In a variation of the low pressure delivery tubes, as shown inFIG. 24, a clear coat or drying agent delivery tube 235A is locatedproximate the front or rear edge of the top span 215, as well as, thecorresponding edge of the legs 205 & 210, and a spot free rinse or softwater delivery tube 235B is located proximate the opposite edge of thetop span 215. In operation, as the gantry passes over the vehicle, theclear coat or drying agent is first applied to the surface of thevehicle and has time to soak until the other edge of the gantry passesoverhead and the spot free rinse or soft water solution is applied tothe vehicle. Advantageously, the application of both specialty fluidscan be performed in a single pass instead of two passes that wouldtypically be required using prior art vehicle wash systems.

[0067] Again referring to FIG. 4, as well as, FIGS. 5 & 9, a moveableplatform 240 is located at the proximate front-to-rear center of theinside or bottom of the top span 215 and is substantially coextensivewith the top span 215. The moveable platform 240 comprises: (1) apivoting boom 245; (2) two rotating wand assemblies 250 attached to thepivoting boom 245; (3) a reciprocating rotary pivotal actuator 260pivotally attached to the pivoting boom 245; and (4) a mounting systemto secure the moveable platform 240 to the gantry 105.

[0068] The rotating wand assemblies 250 each typically comprise threehollow wands 252 radiating from a rotating manifold 254. Each wand 252is adapted to carry pressurized cleaning fluid therein and one or twozero-degree nozzles 256 are generally attached to its distal ends. Inother variations, an oscillating nozzle or a turbo nozzle may bespecified. The wand assemblies 250 are normally orientated on thepivoting boom 245 parallel to the ground such that the nozzles 256 spraya substantially vertical fluid jet. The rotating manifold 254 is bothattached to and in fluid communication with a bearing seal element 258that permits both rotational motion and the transfer of high pressurecleaning fluid to the manifold 254. Another end of the bearing sealelement 258 is coupled with the shaft of a unidirectional motor 253either directly or through a gear set 255. The unidirectional motor 253is configured to facilitate the rotation of the wand assembly 250 at apredetermined speed. Additionally, a high-pressure fluid conduit 265 fortransporting cleaning fluids is coupled with the bearing seal member258. Various alternative embodiments of the cleaning fluid deliverysystems are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skillwith the benefit of this disclosure. One embodiment is described indetail later that utilizes reciprocating wands with turbo nozzlesattached to their ends. Other variations, for example, might includestationary turbo nozzles disposed along the length of the pivoting boom245, wherein the boom 245 may be adapted to serve as a cleaning fluiddelivery conduit.

[0069] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 9, the moveable platform 240 isvertically supported in the gantry structure 105 at its right end by apneumatic lift 270 in operative connection with an actuator bracket 275.The reciprocating pivotal actuator 260 is fixedly attached to theactuator bracket 275, and the right end of the pivoting boom 245 isattached to the shaft of the reciprocating pivotal actuator 260. A clampmember 280 extends perpendicularly from the actuator bracket 275 and afirst end of a linear drive belt 285 is anchored thereto. From the firstend, the drive belt 285 extends: downwardly and through a first idlerpulley 290 near the base of the right leg 210; upwardly and through asecond idler pulley 292 located at the top of the right leg 210;horizontally along the top span 215 and through a third idler pulley294; and downwardly until terminating at a second end that is anchoredto an inverted T-shaped clamp member 295 located at the left end of themoveable platform 240. The left end of the pivoting boom 245 ispivotally attached to the T-shaped clamp 295. Accordingly, the left endof the moveable platform 240 is suspended from the drive belt 285. Inthe preferred embodiment, the drive belt 285 is comprised of a Kevlarreinforced polymeric material, although in alternative embodiments, thebelt may be comprised of any number of materials having the necessarystrength characteristic to support the moveable platform 240. The beltmay be replaced altogether with a suitable cable or chain. Additionally,any number of configurations are possible for routing the belt 285 fromone side of the moveable platform 240 to the other.

[0070] Any weight imbalances in the rotating wand assemblies 250 maycause lateral forces to be induced in the moveable platform 240. Toprevent unwanted lateral movement of the moveable platform 240 caused bythe lateral forces, the moveable platform 240 is constrained by rightand left slide members 305 that are each disposed between and slideablyattached to two vertical guide rails 310 that extend a substantialportion of the length of each gantry leg (best seen in FIGS. 4, 10 &11). The pivoting boom 245 passes through a vertically elongated bore312 in each slide member 305. The elongated bores 312 have widthsslightly greater than the diameter of the pivoting boom 245, therebyconstraining the moveable platform 240 from any substantial lateralmovement. In the preferred embodiment, each slide member 305 comprisestwo additional bores 314 & 316. Electrical cabling (not shown) from theunidirectional motors is typically routed through middle bore 316 on theright slide member 305, and the cleaning fluid conduit is routed throughthe upper bore 314 on both slide members 305. The slide members 305 arefabricated from a polymeric material such as Derlin.RTM. or nylon, butany suitable material may be utilized. Any number of alternativestructures may be utilized to constrain the lateral movement of themoveable platform with or without the use of slide members and/or guiderails as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0071] To lower the moveable platform 240 as shown in FIG. 12, thepneumatic lift 270 is retracted, lowering the right side of the moveableplatform 240. Simultaneously, the drive belt 285 travels through theidler pulleys 290-294 as indicated, increasing the length of the portionof the drive belt located between the inverted T-shaped clamp 295 andthe third idler pulley 294, thereby lowering the left side of themoveable platform 240 a corresponding amount to that of the right side.To raise the moveable platform 240, the pneumatic lift 270 is extended,pushing the right end of the moveable platform 240 upwardly and pullingthe drive belt 285 as to shorten the length of the portion between theinverted T-clamp 295 and the third idler pulley 294 to pull the left endof the moveable platform 240 upwardly.

[0072] Depending on the design and construction of the vertical liftsystem, a malfunction within the vehicle wash system, such as acompressor failure, a power failure, or an air leak, may cause thepneumatic lift 270 and the moveable platform 240 to lower, possibly onto the surface of a vehicle that is being washed. Accordingly, thepreferred embodiment incorporates one or more fail-safe features that inthe event of a malfunction, cause the moveable platform 240 to rise tothe top of the gantry 105 and lock in its retracted position untilnormal operation can be restored. A pressurized air tank 320 (FIG. 5) ispneumatically coupled by way of one or more air hoses (not shown) withthe pneumatic lift 270 providing a reservoir of compressed air tofacilitate emergency operation of the lift 270 in the event of amalfunction. In one embodiment, a solenoid coupled with a pneumaticswitch (neither shown) may be utilized to trigger the raising of themoveable platform 240. The switch may be triggered by a power failure orby a drop in pressure in the line supplying the actuator to below 65 psi(pounds per square inch). In operation, after a malfunction, thesolenoid trips the normally closed pneumatic switch permittingpressurized air to travel from the air tank 320 to the pneumatic lift270, causing the lift 270 to rise. As long as sufficient pressurized airremains in the tank 320, the moveable platform 240 will be retained inthe retracted position. It is understood, that a wide variety of switchmechanisms as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill may be utilizedto cause the moveable platform 240 to rise in the event of a powerfailure and the one described herein is merely illustrative.

[0073] A latch or locking mechanism 325 may also be utilized in certainembodiments to retain the moveable platform 240 in the retractedposition after a power failure. One type of locking mechanism 325 isillustrated in FIGS. 6-8. A latch plate 330 extends vertically from theactuator bracket 275. At the top of the latch plate 330, a horizontaltongue 332 extends leftwardly. The top and bottom surfaces 336 & 334 ofthe tongue 332 are beveled. When the moveable platform 240 is fullyretracted, the tongue 332 is located adjacent to a solenoid actuator340. Preferably, the solenoid actuator 340 is pneumatic, whereincompressed air is routed into the solenoid when power to it isinterrupted, causing a shaft 342 to extend rightwardly from the solenoidbody. Alternatively, the solenoid may be spring loaded, wherein thespring biases the shaft 342 to the right. Attached to the end of thesolenoid shaft 342 is a latch member 344 having a rightwardly extendingtongue 346 corresponding to the leftwardly extending tongue 332. Therightwardly extending tongue 332 comprises beveled upper and bottomsurfaces 348 & 349.

[0074] During a vehicle wash malfunction, the electrical current to thesolenoid 340 is interrupted and compressed air encourages the solenoidshaft 342 into its extended position. If the moveable platform 240 isalready in its retracted position, the upper surface 348 of therightward extending tongue 346 will slide below and support the bottomsurface 334 of the latch plate's leftwardly extending tongue 332,effectively locking the moveable platform 240 in its retracted position.If the moveable platform 240 is not retracted at the time of failure,the top beveled edge 336 of the leftwardly extending tongue 332 meetsthe rightwardly extending tongue 346 as the moveable platform 240 israised, causing the solenoid's biased shaft 342 and the rightwardlyextending tongue 346 to move leftwardly. Once the rightwardly extendingtongue 346 is pushed back enough, the leftwardly extending tongue 332passes it as the moveable platform 240 is returned to its retractedposition, and the top surface 348 of the rightwardly extending tongue346 is encouraged under the bottom surface 334 of the leftwardlyextending tongue 332, thereby locking the moveable platform 240 in theretracted position.

[0075] Referring primarily to FIGS. 9-11, the reciprocating pivotalactuator 260 and other associated structure relating to the pivoting orrotating of the pivoting boom 245 will now be described. As wasdescribed above it is useful to pivot the boom 245 to change thedirection of the fluid jets emanating from the nozzles 256 at the distalend of the wands 252 in order to more effectively clean the varioussurfaces of a vehicle. The shaft of the reciprocating pivotal actuator260 is coupled with the pivoting boom 245 on the right end of themoveable platform 240. The pivoting boom 245 passes through theelongated bores 312 of the right and left slide members 305, both ofwhich permit the boom 245 to pivot freely. On the left end of themoveable platform 240, the inverted T-clamp 295 is pivotally attached tothe boom 240 by way of a bearing (not shown), thus the inverted T-clamp295 may maintain its positioning, ensuring proper alignment between theclamp 295, the drive belt 285 and the third idler pulley 294. Attachedto the distal ends of the inverted T-clamp's arms are two proximitysensors 350. Adjacent and just to the right of the sensor faces are twoor more flat sensor plates 355 that radiate from the pivoting boom 245at predetermined locations. In variations of the vehicle wash system,the sensors and associated sensor plates may be located in any number ofsuitable locations, such as the right side of the pivoting boomproximate the pivoting actuator. Depending on rotational orientation ofthe pivoting boom 245 relative to the inverted T-clamp 295, the plates355 may cover the face of one of the sensors 350 causing the coveredsensor 350 to transmit a signal to the control system (not shown). Basedon the received signal, the control system can determine the pivotalposition of the boom 245 (i.e. whether the boom is pivoted clockwise orcounterclockwise) and activate or deactivate the reciprocating pivotalactuator 260 accordingly. It is to be appreciated that any number ofsensor configurations can be utilized by a mechanical or computerizedcontrol system to determine the relative pivotal orientation of the boom245. Additionally, in some embodiments the need to use sensors 350 todetermine the position of the boom may be obviated by the use ofadvanced reciprocating actuators that are capable of accurately pivotingthe boom 245 a specified amount based only on the appropriate input fromthe control system.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 11 illustrating the right end of the moveableplatform 240, the base of a short c-shaped channel 360 is adjustablymounted against the vertical surface of the actuator bracket 275 at alengthwise location between the right slide member 305 and thereciprocating pivotal actuator 260. The legs of the c-shaped channel 360extend over and under the corresponding section of the pivoting boom245. A radial arm 365 is attached to the pivoting boom 245 at the sameproximate location along the boom 245 that the legs of the c-channel 360extend over the boom 245. When the moveable platform 240 is in itsretracted position with the nozzles 256 aimed vertically downwardly, theradial arm 365 is generally centered between the planes formed by theinside surfaces of the upper and lower legs. Together, the radial arm365 and the c-channel 360 serve to control the clockwise andcounterclockwise positions of the pivoting boom 245. For instance, ifthe pivotal actuator is engaged to rotate the boom 245 clockwise,movement of the boom is stopped when the radial arm impacts the lowerarm of c-channel 360. Likewise, if the pivotal actuator is engaged torotate the boom 245 counterclockwise, movement of the boom is stoppedwhen the radial arm impacts the upper arm of c-channel 360. The amountof pivotal movement in either direction may be adjusted by moving thec-channel inwardly or outwardly relative to its mounting location on theactuator bracket. Accordingly, if the c-channel is moved away from themounting bracket, the radial arm will impact the ends of the c-channelarms sooner lessoning the pivotal movement. Conversely, by mounting thec-channel as close as possible to the bracket, the radial arm must pivotfurther before impacting the ends of the c-channel. Ideally, thec-channel and radial arm are adjustable to permit between 60 and 90degrees of pivotal movement in both the clockwise and counterclockwisedirections. Stops to limit pivotal motion, such as the c-channel andradial arm assembly, may not be utilized in all embodiments of theinvention. For instance, an advanced reciprocating pivotal actuator canbe utilized that is capable of precisely controlling the amount pivotalmovement of the boom obviating the need for external mechanical stops.

[0077] In general, the pivotal movement of the pivoting boom 245 isindependent of the vertical position of the moveable platform 240 thuspermitting the car wash system 100 to adjust to vehicles of a number ofdifferent profiles. This is different from many prior art systemswherein the tilt of a moveable platform to which overhead nozzles areattached depended directly on the vertical position of the movableplatform. That having been said, certain embodiments may limit thepivotal movement of the moveable platform 240 until it is loweredvertically a minimum distance to prevent the distal ends of the rotatingwands 252 from impacting the top span 215 of the gantry structure 105.

[0078] In a variation of the pivoting mechanism, the reciprocatingpivoting actuator 260 is actuatable to pivot the pivoting boom 245either to the right or the left from the centered position; however, itis not configured to return the boom 245 to the centered position onceit has been pivoted, nor is it configured to hold the boom in thecentered position. To accomplish these tasks a centering mechanism, asillustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26, is provided wherein the pivoting boom245 is returned to its centered position when the moveable platform 240is retracted. The centering mechanism comprises a pair of spacedparallel tracks 244 that are positioned on either side of the pivotingboom 245. At a common vertical location, the two tracks 244 diverge fromeach other at an acute angle, such that the two tracks when viewedtogether have an inverted Y-shape. The centering mechanism alsocomprises a downwardly extending arm 246 that is fixedly attached to thepivoting boom 245 at a distal end and has a wheel 248 rotatably attachedto its proximal end. The wheel 248 is normally positioned between thespaced and parallel tracks 244 when the pivoting boom 245 is in itsretracted position as shown in FIG. 29. It can be appreciated that inthis position the boom 245 cannot be pivoted but it can be freely movedup or down as part of the moveable platform 240 to adjust the distancebetween the nozzles 256 or 405 attached therewith and the top of avehicle. Once the wheel 248 is lowered below the location, where thetracks 244 diverge the reciprocating pivoting actuator 260 can beactivated to pivot the boom 245. Referring to FIG. 26, as the boom 245is retracted from the lowered and pivoted position, the wheel 248impacts one of the divergent tracks 244 and guides the pivoting boom 245back into its centered position.

[0079] The pivoting operation of the moveable platform 240 will now bebriefly described. First, to clean the front end of a vehicle as shownin FIG. 13, the gantry 105 is moved into a position forwardly of thefront end of the vehicle. Next, the moveable platform 240 is loweredvertically at least the minimum amount. At this point, a pneumaticswitch is opened by the control system, permitting compressed air toenter the proper chamber of the reciprocating pivotal actuator 260,causing the pivoting boom 245 to rotate clockwise. The pivoting boom 245will continue to pivot until stopped when the radial arm 365 impacts thelower arm of the c-channel 360. It is noted that the moveable platform240 may be moving vertically while the boom 245 is pivoting. When thefront end cleaning cycle has been completed, the moveable platform 245is raised and the pivoting boom 245 is pivoted counterclockwise backinto its retracted position. To clean the rear surfaces of the vehicle,the gantry 105 is moved behind the vehicle and the process is repeatedexcept that the boom 245 is pivoted counterclockwise until the radialarm 365 impacts the upper c-channel arm.

[0080] Given the manner in which the moveable platform 240 may be raisedand lowered vertically combined with the independent pivotal movement ofthe boom 245, it is appreciated that depending on the control systemutilized by the washing system 100, the operation of the moveableplatform 240 may be customized to any number of vehicles to maximizecleaning effectiveness. First, The vertical position of the nozzles maybe adjusted for the height of the vehicle being washed, and to accountfor the different heights between a hood/truck and the roof of thecabin. Accordingly, the nozzles can be maintained at the optimumdistance from the upper surface of the car to maximize cleaningeffectiveness. Second, the boom 245 can be pivoted to an angle of 60-90degrees so the nozzles can directly face the front and rear ends of thevehicle and more effectively clean the ends when compared to prior artwash systems that spray the front and rear surfaces at shallow acuteangles. While jets of fluid are sprayed onto the front or rear ends atangles that are nearly perpendicular, the platform may be moved up anddown as appropriate to ensure the entire front surface is washed.Accordingly the front and rear ends of a high profile vehicle such as anSUV may be cleaned as effectively as a lower profile vehicle such as asedan. As the gantry 105 moves rearwardly, jets of fluid are sprayed onthe hood. As the gantry 105 moves over the windshield, the pivoting boom245 may be pivoted to an angle whereby the nozzles directly face thewindshield. As jets of fluid are sprayed onto the windshield atapproximately a right angle, the gantry moves towards the top-rear ofthe windshield and the platform 240 rises as necessary to maintain apredetermined spacing between the nozzles and the windshield surface. Asthe gantry 105 moves over the roof of the car, the pivoting boom 245pivots back to a position where the wands are horizontally disposed.

[0081] As has been discussed above, the exemplary embodiments describedherein are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Manyalternative embodiment gantry-type vehicle wash systems have beencontemplated that retain one or more of the innovative aspects of theinvention. A first alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 15-18,wherein the rotating wand assemblies are replaced with reciprocatingwands that utilize turbo nozzles. A second alternative embodiment isillustrated in FIGS. 29-32, wherein turbo or oscillating type nozzlesare affixed directly to a pair of parallel and spaced boom tubes. Athird alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20, whereinthe amount (or degree) of tilt of the pivoting boom is controlled basedon the vertical position of the pivoting boom.

A FIRST ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0082] With reference to FIG. 17, the reciprocating wand assembly 400 ofa first alternative embodiment is shown mounted on the pivoting boom 245which has been adapted to serve as a high pressure fluid deliverymanifold as well. The pivoting boom 245 is connected to a supply (notshown) of pressurized liquid to be sprayed onto the vehicle and supportsthree equally spaced reciprocating wands 410 through vertical hollowpivot shafts 420 associated with each wand 410. The shafts 420 aremounted on appropriate bearings 425 that allow the wands to reciprocatein a horizontal plane through their operative connection with adrive/link system 415. Each hollow pivot shaft is in fluid communicationin a conventional manner with the interior of the pivoting boom 245 sothat liquid within the manifold boom can pass from the manifold into theinterior of the hollow pivot shaft. Each pivot shaft is, in turn, influid communication with the interior of each wand 410, which is also ofhollow tubular configuration, so that liquid from the manifold can bepassed into the wands in equal quantities. Each wand has a turbo nozzle405 mounted at each end thereof with the nozzles being directeddownwardly to direct a cyclical conical spray of fluid in a downwarddirection and in a manner to be described in more detail hereafter.

[0083] Each pivot shaft 420 has a crank link 430 fixed thereto adjacentto its uppermost end with the crank link being keyed to the shaft sothat pivotal movement of the crank link in a horizontal plane about thevertical axis of the pivot shaft causes the pivot shaft 420 and theconnected wand 410 to reciprocate in a corresponding manner. Thedrive/link system 415 includes a drive member 435 and a plurality ofcrank and link members that interconnect the drive member with thereciprocating wands. In the first alternative embodiment, the drivemember is an electric motor having an output shaft (not seen) operablyconnected through a gear box 440 to a primary crank arm 445 that isrotated in a horizontal plane about a vertical output shaft 450 of thegear box. The distal or free end 455 of the primary crank arm ispivotally connected to a drive link 460 whose opposite end is pivotallyconnected to a bifurcated secondary crank arm 465 that is keyed to thevertical pivot shaft 420 of the first reciprocating wand 410, i.e. thewand that is closest to the motor 435.

[0084] As will be appreciated, when the drive motor 435 is driven ineither direction, the primary crank arm 445 rotates and causes the drivelink 460 to pivot in a horizontal plane while being slid reciprocallywithin the horizontal plane along a path parallel to the length of thepivoting boom 245. This sliding and reciprocating movement of the drivelink causes the secondary bifurcated crank arm 465 to pivot back andforth in the same horizontal plane about the vertical shaft 420 of thefirst reciprocating wand thereby causing that vertical shaft, theconnected wand and the associated crank link 430 to reciprocate in acorresponding manner. The free end 470 of the first crank link ispivotally connected to a first connecting link 475 whose opposite end ispivotally connected to the free end of the crank link 430 of the secondwand 410 (i.e. the wand closest to the first wand). A second connectinglink 480 longitudinally aligned with the first connecting link 475 ispivotally connected to the free end of the second crank link at the samelocation as the first connecting link and has its opposite end pivotallyconnected to the crank link 430 associated with the third wand 410 orthe wand that is furthest removed from the drive motor 435.

[0085] It is important to appreciate that the crank links 430 and thebifurcated secondary crank arm 465 are relatively short so that theconnecting links 475 and 480, which interconnect adjacent crank links,are positioned parallel to and are closely adjacent to the pivoting boom245. In the preferred embodiment, the connecting links and crank linkare no more than ¾ of an inch from the manifold and preferably about ½inch. This provides for a very compact system for reciprocating thewands 410 as will be described hereafter. The compactness is importantinasmuch as the manifold, as described previously, may be mounted topivot about its longitudinal axis or an axis parallel thereto so thatthe spatial orientation of the wands 410 can be changed betweenhorizontal and vertical or any angle therebetween, and the closeproximity of the links and crank arms to the manifold allows this to beaccomplished without an unwieldy mechanism.

[0086] In operation, it will be appreciated that as the drive motor 435is operated, its output shaft causes the primary crank 445 to rotatethereby causing the connected drive link 460 to reciprocate effectingreciprocation of the secondary bifurcated crank arm 465 in a horizontalplane which, in turn, causes the connected pivot shaft 420 of the firstwand 410 to pivot about its longitudinal axis a corresponding amount.That same pivotal movement is transferred to the first crank link 430with the pivotal movement of the first crank link being transferred fromthe first crank link to the second crank link through the firstconnection link 475 and from the second crank link 430 to the thirdcrank link 430 through the second connection link 480. Eachreciprocating wand is thereby enabled to pivot in unison in a horizontalplane as illustrated best in FIG. 17. In FIG. 17, it can be seen fromthe full line and dashed line positions of the reciprocating wands thatthe associated nozzles are pivoted back and forth along an arc “A” apredetermined degree which, when associated with the spray pattern ofthe nozzles on the reciprocating wands as described later, providecomplete coverage of the surface of a vehicle being washed with theapparatus.

[0087] As best appreciated by reference to FIGS. 16 and 18, each turbonozzle 405 emits a beam or stream of liquid in a straight line that isdirected at an acute angle from a central axis of the nozzles. Thestraight beam or stream of liquid emitted from the nozzle is caused tomove, by the nozzle's internal construction, in a circulating patternwhich creates a conical wall or pattern of liquid 485 which, of course,is circular in transverse cross section as illustrated in FIG. 16. Fastrotating turbo nozzles (approximately 1600 to 2000 revolutions perminute (rps)) are commercially available in several differentconfigurations as described in greater detail below. Slow rotating turbonozzles, which are not commercially available, can also be specifiedwherein the speed of rotation is generally 600-1400 rpm. With either thefast or slow rotating turbo variant, the single stream fluid jetsemanating from the nozzles appear to form a circular impact ring on thesurface of the vehicle as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18. The diameterof the impact rings is dependent on the angle at which the fluid jetleaves the nozzle as well as the distance of the nozzle from the surfaceof the vehicle. Although the impact rings shown in dotted lines in FIG.16 are tangential to each other, it is appreciated that depending on thecleaning application, the nozzles specified, and the distance from thecleaning surface, the impact rings may overlap or they may not touch atall. A variant of the turbo nozzle, the oscillating nozzle may also beutilized on the reciprocating wands. As the name suggests oscillatingnozzles tend to oscillate back and forth in a generally linear path.

[0088] A reciprocating wand assembly of the type described above is alsoshown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/698,845 which is of commonownership with the present invention and which is hereby incorporated byreference.

[0089] In a one variation on the first alternative embodiment, thereciprocating wand assembly 400 may be connected with a boom comprisingtwin boom tubes 412 as illustrated in FIG. 27. The cleaning solution isdelivered to each of the wands 410 from one of the twin boom tubes 412by a hose 414, as shown. The operation of the wand assembly 400 issubstantially the same as described above. Another twin boom variationis illustrated in FIG. 28, wherein each of the wands 410 is pivotallyconnected to a transfer arm 416 that transfers the pivotal motionapplied to the first wand by the motor 435 to the other two wands.

A SECOND ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0090] FIGS. 29-32 illustrate a second alternative embodiment, whereinoscillating or turbo nozzles 705 are attached directly to parallel andspaced boom tubes 710. The cleaning action of the turbo and/oroscillating nozzles 705 ensures complete coverage of the underlyingvehicle surface without the utilization of rotating or pivoting wandassemblies. As shown, the boom tubes 710 also double as fluid deliveryconduits to carry the high pressure cleaning fluid to the nozzles 705.Preferably, cleaning solution can be routed to either one of the tubes710 independently of the other, whereby one bank of nozzles attached toone tube can be turned off while the bank of nozzles are turned on. Thenozzles may be orientated in a variety of angles relative to the boomtubes 710 depending on the spray pattern of the chosen nozzles.Typically, the boom tubes 710 will be spaced apart from each other adistance of around 18 inches, which has found to be effective in helpingensure complete coverage of the front and rear of a vehicle when themoveable platform is in its lowered position and the boom is tilted. Asillustrated, the twin boom tubes 710 are attached to end brackets 715which are connected to shafts 720 on either end for rotatably attachingthe assembly to the gantry for pivotal movement relative thereto. It isappreciated that numerous other pivot boom configurations can bespecified in addition to the embodiments and variations described hereinas would be obvious to one of ordinary skill with the benefit of thisdisclosure.

A THIRD ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT

[0091] A third alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20,wherein the tilt of the pivoting boom 245 is directly dependent on thevertical position of the moveable platform 240. Although this systemdoes not offer the same degree of customizability for vehicles ofdiffering profiles, it less complicated than the preferred embodimentand potentially much less expensive to produce as well. In the thirdalternative embodiment, a follower arm 505 is keyed to the pivoting boom245. The follower arm 505 is typically an elongated member that isvertically orientated along its length. The follower arm 505 is attachedat an upper end to the pivoting boom 245. The follower arm 505 ridesbetween two opposing guides surfaces 515 formed by framework 510 withinthe left leg 205 of the gantry structure 105. Near the top of the leftleg 205 the wand assemblies 250 are preferably orientated parallel tothe ground. Accordingly, the opposing guide surfaces 515 are verticallydisposed and spaced from each other a distance only slightly greaterthan the width of the follower arm 505. At a predetermined verticallocation below the top of the left leg 205, the two opposing surfaces515 diverge from each other at an acute angle, wherein the opposingguide surfaces 515 viewed together have an inverted Y-shape.

[0092] In operation, a biasing force is applied to the pivoting boom 245to encourage it to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise depending on thelocation of the gantry 105 relative to the front or rear of a vehicle.It is appreciated that any suitable biasing means may be utilized,including a less sophisticated pneumatic actuator that merely applies arotational bias to the pivoting boom 245 but is not able to pivot to andhold the pivoting boom 245 at discrete angular orientations. Next, themoveable platform 240 is lowered as described supra. As the follower arm505 enters the divergent portion of the guide surfaces 515, the pivotingboom 245 rotates in the biased direction until the lower portion of thearm 505 is in contact with the appropriate guide surface 515. As thepivoting boom 245 is lowered further, it pivots further as controlled bythe distance between the center axis of the pivoting boom 245 and theappropriate guide surface 515 relative to the length of the follower arm505. A maximum possible pivoting movement in either direction of 90degrees is achieved when the distance between the pivoting boom's axisand the appropriate guide surface 515 is equal to the distance betweenthe center axis and the distal end of the follower arm 505. Based on theoperation of this tilting system, it can be appreciated that sensors anda means for measuring and interpreting the sensors concerning thepivotal position of the pivoting boom 245 are not required.

[0093] As discussed supra, the embodiments and alternative embodimentsdescribed herein are merely illustrative. A number of other alternativeembodiments keeping within the scope of the invention as expressed inthe appended claims have been contemplated. For instance, either or boththe pneumatic reciprocating rotary actuator and the pneumatic lift couldbe replaced with mechanical versions. Furthermore, the placement of thevarious elements of the washing system relative to each other could bevaried. For example, rather than having both the pneumatic lift and thereciprocating pivotal actuator located in the right leg, either could belocated in the left leg. Additionally, many different types of nozzlesmay be utilized in the moveable platform based on considerations ofcleaning effectiveness and cost.

[0094] A Four Pass Wash

[0095] Given the construction of the various embodiments of the vehiclewash system combined with a suitable control system, such as the onedescribed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/365,519 filed on Aug.2, 1999 which is commonly owned by the assignee of this application andis hereby incorporated by reference, a vehicle can be economically andeffectively cleaned in four passes including the application of both aclear coat and a spot free rinse solution. This compares to six passesthat are typically required during a wash cycle to similarly clean avehicle using prior art vehicle wash systems. FIG. 33 is a flow chartillustrating the operations performed in each pass of a four pass washcycle according to the present invention.

[0096] First, the vehicle is driven into the car wash bay as indicatedby box 605. During a first pass 610, the gantry moves along and over thevehicle, typically from the front of the vehicle to the back, sprayingthe vehicle with a presoak solution from the presoak nozzles 242. Alsoduring the first pass, the length of the vehicle is determined andrelative height of the vehicle is profiled for reasons that will becomeapparent below.

[0097] During a second pass 615, the gantry travels back beyond thefront of the vehicle. During the time it takes for the gantry to travelfrom the back to front, the presoak solution has time to penetrate andloosen any dirt on the vehicle's surface.

[0098] During the third pass 620 water under high pressure is sprayedfrom the both the side and top high pressure nozzles 230 and 256. Asdescribed above, the side nozzles 230 can comprise a lower set of rockerpanel nozzles 230A, a set of middle turbo nozzles 230B and a set ofupper turbo nozzles 230C. As the gantry passes over the hood of atypical vehicle, both the middle set of nozzles 230B and the rockerpanel blasters 230A are activated, and depending on the height of thehood and trunk, the upper set of nozzles 230C may not be activated. Ifthe vehicle has a low hood/trunk height, the solenoid valve connected tothe upper set of nozzles will close to prevent cleaning solution fromneedlessly being sprayed over the top of the hood and trunk. On theother hand, if the hood and/or trunk has a high profile then the uppernozzles 230C will be activated as the clearance eye sensor 232 locatedon one of the gantry legs senses the increased height of the vehicle. Asthe gantry passes over the middle portion of the vehicle, the rockerpanel, middle and upper nozzles are all typically activated. Next, asthe gantry passes over the back of the vehicle the upper set of nozzles230C may be deactivated if the vehicle has a low trunk as typicallywould be the case with a sedan.

[0099] Before the Gantry passes over the vehicle during the third pass,the moveable platform 240 is lowered until it is in front of the frontof the vehicle and the pivoting boom 245 is rotated until the uppernozzles 256 face the front of the vehicle. The nozzles 256 are activatedand the front of the vehicle is impacted by jets of fluid as theplatform 240 is raised. Once the platform 240 has been raised above theheight of the front end, the pivoting boom 245 is rotated back to itsunpivoted centered position with the nozzles 256 facing downwardly.Next, the gantry during the third pass passes over the hood of thevehicle with the nozzles 256 spraying jets of water downwardly.Depending on the height of the hood the movable platform 240 may be heldin a position below the retracted position such that the distancebetween the hood and the nozzles 256 is reduced. As the gantry passesover the windshield, the moveable platform 240 rises to clear the roofand/or maintain a preferred distance between the nozzles 256 and the topsurface of the vehicle. Depending on the height of the rear portion ofthe vehicle, the platform 240 may again be lowered to maintain apreferred distance between the surface of the rear deck and the nozzles256. Finally, the gantry moves behind the vehicle and the moveableplatform 240 is lowered until it is located behind the back of thevehicle. Simultaneously, the pivoting boom 245 is rotated so that thenozzles 256 face the front of the vehicle. Once the backside of thevehicle has been washed, the boom 245 rotates back to its neutralposition and the moveable platform 240 ascends to its retractedposition.

[0100] During the forth pass 625, the gantry is moved from the back ofthe vehicle towards its initial position in front of the vehicle. Both aclear coat and a spot free rinse are applied in the manner describedpreviously. Fifth and sixth optional passes may be included wherein adryer apparatus 220 mounted on the gantry dries the vehicle.Alternatively, stationary blowers may dry the vehicle as it passes outof the wash bay. It is also appreciated that a three cycle wash may alsobe run in which the forth pass is not utilized.

[0101] It is appreciated that any number of sensor arrays maybe utilizedto determine the profile of the vehicle being washed. The preferredembodiment, however, utilizes a clearance eye sensor 232 and front andrear locator sensors 233 and 234, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Theclearance sensor eye 232 is located on one of the legs of the gantry ina vertical position below the lowest overhead deployed position of themoveable platform 240. Typically, the clearance sensor 232 will bepositioned approximately 40 to 46 inches off the floor of the vehiclewash bay. If the “beam” of the sensor 232 is broken, it indicates aportion of a vehicle with a height above the height of the clearancesensor, and the upper set of side nozzles 230C are typically activatedby the control system. If the beam is intact, a lower portion of thevehicle is indicated, causing the control system to lower the moveableplatformn 240 and to deactivate the upper set of side nozzles 230C.

[0102] The front and rear sensors 233 and 234 indicate whether thegantry is in front of or behind the vehicle. Typically, these sensorsare located closer to the floor on one of the gantry legs, the frontsensor 233 proximate the front face of the gantry, and the rear sensor234 proximate the rear face of the gantry. An unobstructed sensor “beam”indicates that the gantry is either in front of or behind the vehicle.Typically, when both beams become unobstructed the control systemrecognizes the gantry is either in front of or behind the vehicle and itthen travels an additional predetermined distance in its direction oftravel to ensure it is behind or in front of the vehicle enough to allowoperation of the moveable platformn 240 and pivot boom 245 to clean therespective front or rear end of the vehicle.

[0103] Turbo and Oscillating Nozzles

[0104] As described above various types of high pressure nozzles areutilized in the various embodiments of the present invention, includingzero degree nozzles, fast rotating turbo nozzles, slow rotating turbonozzles, and oscillating nozzles. Zero degree nozzles are well known inthe art and are commercially available from a variety of vendors.Typically, zero degree nozzles shoot a single jet of fluid from a fixedorifice, such that each they impact on a relatively small area on thesurface of a vehicle when used in conjunction with a vehicle washsystem. Accordingly, they are typically utilized with rotating wandsthat move the nozzles over the surface of the vehicle to obtain completecoverage of the associated surface, such as the rotating wand assembliesdescribed concerning the first embodiment. Given the high integrity ofthe fluid jets that emanate from Zero degree nozzles, they typicallyhave a maximum effective range of up to 80 inches.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 34, both the fast and slow rotating turbonozzles comprise a rotating nozzle member 805 that has an orifice 810that rotates within the body 815 of the nozzle causing the fluid jetemanating therefrom to assume a spiral shape as illustrated in FIG. 16.This causes a single turbo nozzle to have a circular impact area, whichmakes obtaining complete coverage of the vehicle surfaces simpler. Forinstance, in certain circumstances, the use of fast rotating turbonozzles 405 with the reciprocating wand assemblies 400 of the secondalternative embodiment result in better coverage of the vehicle surfacesand more effective cleaning of the surfaces than the zero degree nozzlesused with the rotating wands of the first embodiment. Furthermore, bysubstituting fast rotating turbo nozzles for the zero degree nozzles inthe rotating wands of the first embodiment, multiple impacts of thestream with the automobile surfaces results for improved cleaningperformance. The versatility of the fast rotating turbo nozzle is alsodemonstrated by the second alternative embodiment where the use ofreciprocating wands are eliminated, since turbo nozzles with spraypatterns that overlap at least partially can effectively clean theentire top surface of a vehicle when combined with the movement of thegantry over the vehicle. It is also noted that the series of turbonozzles located on either leg of the gantry effectively replace sidewand assemblies utilizing zero degree nozzles without a reduction incleaning effectiveness. Another advantage of turbo nozzles generally isthere ability to operate effectively at lower pressures than the typicalzero degree nozzle. Whereas, zero degree nozzles generally requirepressures of around 900 psi or greater, typical turbo nozzles canoperate at pressures of as low as 600 psi.

[0106] Fast rotating turbo nozzles, in which the nozzle orifice rotatesat speeds of round 1600 to 2000 rpm, are commercially available in avariety of sizes from several vendors and have been utilized in variousapplications on vehicle wash systems. However, fast rotating turbonozzles suffer from a drawback that has limited their application incertain vehicle wash system applications, namely, they have a limitedeffective range of 28″ to 36 depending on the size of the fast rotatingnozzle specified. At distances in excess of the effective range, thespiraling fluid jet looses its integrity and becomes a mist, whichalthough increasing the coverage of the underlying surface, does notimpart enough of an impact force on the vehicle to effectively dislodgedirt and debris. It can be appreciated that the total distance traveledby any portion of cleaning solution in a spiraling fluid jet as itspirals towards a vehicle's surface is much greater than the distancebetween the nozzle orifice and the surface to be cleaned. In otherwords, the length of an uncoiled spiraling jet would be much greaterthan the distance between the nozzle tip and the surface of the vehicle.It follows, therefore, that the aerodynamic drag incident on a spiralingfluid jet from mist and air would be significantly greater than on acomparable straight fluid jet (such as from a zero degree nozzle). Thisaerodynamic drag tends to dissipate some of the spiraling jets energy.Furthermore, the complex force vectors acting on the spiraling fluid jetas it leaves the nozzle and travel towards the vehicle surfaces tends tocompromise the integrity of the spiraling jet contributing to itseffective disintegration at much short distances than a comparablestraight fluid jet.

[0107] Slow rotating turbo nozzles of the present invention as theirname would suggest rotate at greatly reduced rate of around 600-1400 rpmwhen compared to their fast rotating cousins. The fluid jets emanatingfrom them spiral at a significantly slower rate than their fast rotatingcousins, making less turns before reaching the surface of the vehicle.The distance traveled by any portion of the fluid jet from a slowrotating turbo nozzle would be less than that of a jet from a fastrotating nozzle situated a similar distance from a vehicle surface. Thefluid jet of a slow rotating turbo nozzle would, therefore, encounterless energy dissipating aerodynamic drag than its fast rotating cousinand the energy of the fluid jet from the slow rotating turbo nozzlewould dissipate less than the fluid jet from the fast rotating turbonozzle. Accordingly, a slow rotating turbo nozzle has a greatereffective range (similarly sized fast and slow rotating turbo nozzleshave approximate ranges of 36″ and 42″ respectively). Even at distanceswithin the effective ranges of the fast rotating turbo nozzle, the slowrotating turbo nozzles delivers a fluid jet having a greater impactforce per unit area than the comparable fast rotating turbo nozzle. Byusing slow rotating turbo nozzles in a vehicle wash system, all surfacesof the vehicle can be hit with jets of cleaning solution at effectivelevels of impact force to dislodge most dirt and debris, especiallythose on contoured surfaces of a vehicle that might be outside of therange of fast rotating turbo nozzles.

[0108] FIGS. 34-40 and FIG. 42 illustrate a slow rotating turbo nozzle.Furthermore, FIG. 41 illustrates a cross section of a fast rotatingturbo nozzle for purposes of comparison. Unless otherwise indicated, thedescription proved herein generally applies to both fast and slowrotating turbo nozzles. Distinctions between the fast and slow turbonozzles will be specifically indicated.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 34, A typical turbo nozzle comprises three basiccomponents: a nozzle body 815; an inlet cap 820 that is threadablyreceived into the top of the body; and a rotating nozzle member 805 thatis contained within the body. The hollow nozzle body 815 has a generallyconical shape beginning with a threaded opening to receive the inlet cap820 at a distal end. From the distal end, the walls of the body 815taper until terminating at the proximal end in a ceramic seat 825. Theceramic seat 825 has a concave inside surface configured to receive theorifice of the rotating nozzle member and a passage 830 therethrough topermit the fluid jet emanating from the orifice to exit the turbonozzle.

[0110] The inlet cap 820 is a generally cylindrical member having apartially threaded outside surface for being received into the threadedopening of the nozzle body 815 with an o-ring seal 835 disposed thereon.The inlet cap 820 further comprises a vertical bore 840 that ispartially threaded for coupling with a cleaning solution supply manifoldor hose. The bore is closed at its bottom end; however, one or moresmall jet passageways 845 extend through the vertical wall of the bore840 at generally acute angles and into the interior of the nozzle body815 as illustrated in FIG. 37. The angles that the one or morepassageways 845 extend through the wall, the diameter of the passagewaysand the interaction between the fluid jets emanating thereform duringoperation are all critical in determining the rotational speed of theturbo nozzle as will be described below. Lastly, A small nib 850 extendsfrom the center of the outside surface of the closed bottom end of theinlet cap 820 for reasons that will become apparent.

[0111] The rotating nozzle member 805 is illustrated in isolation inFIGS. 35 and 36. The rotating nozzle member 805 typically comprises abrass tube 855 having a perforated support piece 860 spanning theinterior of the tube proximate its distal end to provide support andadditional strength thereto. The distal end of the tube is capped with aceramic orifice 810 from which the spiraling jet of the turbo nozzleemanates. The ceramic orifice 810 has a generally conical shape thatterminates in a rounded end. The rounded end is sized to nest in theconcave portion of the ceramic seat 825 such that when under pressurethe ceramic orifice 810 effectively seals the passage through theceramic seat 825. The diameter of the ceramic orifice 810 ultimatelycontrols the volumetric output of the nozzle.

[0112] The outside surface of the brass tube 855 is covered by one ormore plastic shrouds 865, 870 and 875. In general, the plastic shroudsserve to protect the brass tube 855 as the nozzle member 805 is rotatedwithin the nozzle body 815 at high speeds. Depending on the particularconfiguration of the turbo nozzle, a single unitary plastic shroud maybeutilized, although as illustrated, three separate and distinct shrouds865, 870 and 875 are indicated. The upper shroud 865 serves to guide thenozzle member 805 around the nib 850, as best illustrated in FIGS. 34and 38. The middle shroud 870, which is shown having a hexagonal outersurface, serves to guide the nozzle member 805 along the inside surfaceof the nozzle body 815 as best illustrated in FIG. 39. Because themiddle shroud 370 is hexagonal, it will cause the orifice 810 to rotatein a more hexagonal pattern, thereby altering the characteristics of thefluid jet emanating therefrom. Furthermore, the hexagonal surface of themiddle shroud 870 will not rotate as easily around the inside surface ofthe nozzle body 815, thereby increasing the rotational friction of thenozzle member 805, slowing its effective rate of rotation even further.As illustrated in FIG. 40, the hexagonal shroud 370 can be replaced witha circular shroud 870A in variations thereof.

[0113] The operation of a typical turbo jet will now be described.First, the cleaning solution enters the inlet cap 820 from a sourceunder high pressure. The cleaning solution then travels through the oneor more passageways 845, wherein the cleaning solution is acceleratedand is propelled from the nozzles as a stream in a direction generallyperpendicular with the center axis of the turbo nozzle towards thecorresponding inner surface of the body 815. The stream impacts innersurface of the body 815 at an acute angle, which induces the cleaningsolution to rotate in a clockwise direction. A clockwise vortex ofcleaning fluid is created within the body 815 which is completely filledwith the pressurized cleaning solution during operation. By reversingthe angle of incidence between the stream and the wall of the body, acounterclockwise vortex could be created as well. The vortex causes thenozzle member 805, which is in its path, to rotate at essentially thesame velocity as the vortex. It is appreciated that the nib 850 preventsthe nozzle member 805 from positioning itself in the calm center of thevortex. Next, the pressurized cleaning fluid contained in the body isforced into the top end of nozzle tube 855 and through the orifice 810,wherein the cleaning solution is accelerated and exits the nozzle in theform of a spiraling fluid jet.

[0114] The speed of rotation of the nozzle and the speed of rotation ofthe fluid jet emanating therefrom is directly related to the rotationalvelocity of the vortex created within the nozzle body 815. The velocityof the vortex is dependent on both the angle at which the fluid streamsemanating from the inlet cap passageways 845 are incident on the innersurface of the body wall, as well as, the velocity of the streams. Ahorizontal cross section of a typical fast rotating turbo nozzle showinga single passageway 845 through the bore 840 in the inlet cap 820 intothe body of the nozzle is illustrated in FIG. 41. A correspondingsection of a slow rotating turbo nozzle is illustrated in FIG. 42,wherein four passageways 845 are shown. The four passageways 845 have acombined cross sectional area greater than that of the single passageway845 of fast rotating turbo nozzle of FIG. 41. For a given pressure offluid being passed through the passageways of both nozzles, the fluidstream emanating from the passageway of the fast rotating nozzle will befaster than the streams emanating from each of the passageways of theslow rotating turbo nozzle. Accordingly, the rotational speed of thevortex created in the slow rotator will be less than the speed of thevortex in the fast rotator, resulting in a slower rotating nozzlemember.

[0115] Other means of creating a slow rotating turbo nozzle are alsocontemplated. For instance, a set of one or more passageways 845 couldpass through the inlet cap 820 at one angle while a second set of one ormore passageways could pass through the inlet cap at a second angle,such that the streams emanating from the second set interfere with thevortex caused by the streams from the first set such that the speed ofthe vortex is reduced. For instance, streams from the first set ofpassageways 845 may induce a clockwise rotating vortex in the nozzlebody 815 having a speed comparable to that of a vortex in a fastrotating turbo nozzle. The streams from the second set of passagewaysmay exit the passageways at angles that would by themselves induce acounterclockwise rotation. The combination of these two sets of streamseffectively results in a vortex of a reduced speed. It is to beappreciated that a wide variety of combinations of sets of passagewayscan be utilized to tailor the speed of the vortex and consequently therotational speed of the turbo nozzle to a desired level.

[0116] Another type of nozzle used in embodiments of the presentinvention is an oscillating nozzle as shown in FIG. 43. The fluid jetemanating from the oscillating nozzle differs from the fluid jet ofturbo nozzle in that instead of spiraling, it moves back and forth in agenerally linear path as illustrated in FIG. 43. Oscillating nozzleswith small nozzle bodies 915 are commercially available, which oscillateat a relatively fast rate; whereas, slower oscillating nozzles havinglarge bodies 915 are not commercially available, although both designsoperate in a similar manner as described herein. The oscillating nozzlehas an inlet cap 920 and body 915 generally very similar to those on aturbo nozzle except the ceramic seat 925 is not fixed to the body 915,rather it is fixed to the lower portion 970B of a housing 970 containedwithin the body 915. The tube 955 to which the orifice 910 is affixed isdoes not spin, nor does it rotate about a nib (not shown) on the inletcap 920. Rather, it is permitted only to pivot side within a slot 975 inthe lower portion 970B of the nozzle member housing 970. The lowerportion 970B of the nozzle member housing 970 is fit into an opening inthe base of the body 915 such that it cannot spin but it can pivotslightly. An upper portion 970A of the housing portion is connected tothe lower portion 970B, thereby surrounding the nozzle tube. Theattachment of the upper portion 970A with the lower portion 970Bprevents it from spinning; however, it is free to rotate about the nibon the inlet cap 920 in a fluid vortex created in the body 915. Rotationof the upper portion 970A of the housing causes it to impact an o-ring980 circumscribing the brass tube 955 proximate its top end causing theorifice 910 to pivot back and forth in the slot 975.

[0117] In general, the effective range (approximately 45″) of theoscillating nozzles is greater than that of the turbo nozzles; however,the range of faster small body oscillators is less than that of a slowerlarge body oscillator. It is to be appreciated that the speed ofoscillation is directly related to the velocity of the vortex created inthe nozzle body and the distance that the vortex must travel to completea revolution of the inside of the body 915. It follows that the speed ofoscillation may be reduced by (1) increasing the size of the nozzle bodywhereby the vortex has a greater distance to travel to complete arevolution, or the Accordingly and/or (2) using the same types ofmodifications to the inlet cap passageways 945 as described above forturbo nozzles to slow the velocity of the stream emanating frompassageways 945.

[0118] Although the present invention has been described with a certaindegree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosurehas been made by way of example, and changes in detail or structure maybe made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined inthe appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A gantry-type vehicle washing system comprising: aninverted U-shaped frame member including a left leg with a left insidesurface, a right leg with a right inside surface, and a top sectionspanning the left and right legs, the top section having a top insidesurface; a vertically orientated lift actuator contained in one of saidleft and right legs; an elongated platform having a first end and asecond end; the first end operatively attached to the lift actuator, thefirst end including a first connector and the second end including asecond connector; and a flexible, non-extensible, elongated memberhaving a first elongated member end and a second elongated member end,the second elongated member end attached to the second connector, theelongated member being slideably coupled with the top section of theframe permitting lengthwise movement, the first elongated member endbeing attached to the first connector, wherein the second end of theelongated platform is suspended from the elongated member.
 2. Thegantry-type vehicle washing system of claim 1, further comprising: oneor more vertically orientated guide rails disposed in either the left orright legs; one or more guide members coupled to the elongated platform,each guide member in slidable engagement with the at least one of theone or more vertically orientated guide rails, wherein lateral movementof the elongated platform is minimized.
 3. The gantry-type vehiclewashing system of claim 1, wherein the lift actuator is pneumatic, andis in pneumatic communication with a compressor.
 4. The gantry-typevehicle washing system of claim 3, further comprising: a pressurized airtank coupled with the pneumatic lift actuator by way of one or more airhoses, the one or more air hoses interceded by a pneumatic safetyswitch; wherein the pneumatic safety switch is configured to (i) preventair flow between the air tank and the lift actuator through said one ormore hoses when power is supplied to the compressor, and (ii) permit airflow through said one or more hoses when power to the compressor isinterrupted, causing the lift actuator to raise the elongated platform.5. The gantry-type vehicle washing system of claim 1, wherein theelongated platform further comprises: (i) a first bracket for attachingsaid first end of the elongated platform with the framework, (ii) asecond bracket for attaching said second end of the elongated platformwith the framework, (iii) a reciprocating pivotal actuator fixedlyattached to the first bracket, the reciprocating pivotal actuator havinga shaft, (iv) a boom having two boom ends and a longitudinal axis, theboom being pivotally attached to the first bracket at one boom end, andcoupled with the shaft at the other boom end, whereby the boom can bepivoted about the longitudinal axis relative to the first and secondbrackets, and (v) one or more nozzles operatively coupled to the boom,each having a discharge opening capable of emitting a stream of fluid,whereby the pivotal movement of the boom changes the angular directionof the stream of fluid emitted from each nozzle.
 6. The gantry-typevehicle washing system of claim 1, wherein the one or more nozzles areoperatively coupled to the boom by way of one or more wand assemblies,each wand assembly comprising: an attachment member having a stationarysection and a rotary section, the stationary section being fixedlyattached to the boom; a rotating manifold rotateably coupled to therotary section; one or more wands disposed on the rotating manifold; oneor more nozzles attached to a distal end of each wand of the one or morewands; and a motor, the motor having a shaft, the shaft being coupledwith the rotating manifold.
 7. The gantry-type vehicle washing system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a first low pressure fluid delivery conduitsubstantially spanning the top section from the left leg to the rightleg, the first low pressure fluid delivery conduit adjacent to the topinside surface; a first fluid delivery system in fluid communicationwith the first low pressure fluid delivery conduit for pumping a firstfluid through the first low pressure fluid delivery conduit; and a firstset of generally downward facing nozzles coupled in fluid communicationwith the first low pressure fluid delivery conduit.
 8. A method ofoperating a gantry-type automobile wash, the method comprising:positioning the automobile wash gantry over a front section of a hood ofan automobile, the gantry including a inverted U-shaped framework, theinverted U-shaped framework having (1) a left leg with a left insidesurface, (2) a right leg with a right inside surface, (3) a top sectionspanning the left and right legs and (4) an elongated overhead cleaningplatform spanning the distance between the left and right insidesurfaces, the elongated platform being vertically moveable and having apivoting portion capable of clockwise and counterclockwise pivotalmovement, the pivoting portion having a plurality of nozzles coupledtherewith; lowering the platform until the nozzles are at a firstpredetermined distance from the surface of the hood; spraying jets offluid substantially perpendicular to the surface of the hood from theplurality of nozzles while simultaneously moving the gantry toward therear of the hood; as the gantry begins to pass over a windshield surfaceof the automobile, rotating the pivoting portion until the plurality ofnozzles directly face the windshield surface; simultaneously sprayingjets of fluid substantially perpendicular to the surface of thewindshield from the plurality of nozzles while simultaneously moving thegantry towards the top rear of the windshield, and raising the platformto maintain a second predetermined distance between the nozzles and thewindshield; as the gantry begins to pass over a roof surface of theautomobile, rotating the pivoting portion until the plurality of nozzlesdirectly face the roof surface; and spraying jets of fluid substantiallyperpendicular to the roof surface from the plurality of nozzles whilesimultaneously moving the gantry toward the rear of the roof.
 9. Themethod of claim 8, wherein the plurality of nozzles are coupled to theplatform by way of one or more pivoting wands.
 10. The method of claim8, further comprising: determining the profile of the automobile byutilizing sensors arranged on the inside surfaces of the left and rightlegs.
 11. A vehicle washing system comprising: an inverted U-shapedframe member, the frame member including left and right legs and a topsection connecting the left and right legs, the top section having aninside face; a first low pressure fluid delivery conduit-substantiallyspanning the top section from the left leg to the right leg, the firstlow pressure fluid delivery conduit being adjacent to the inside face; afirst fluid delivery system in fluid communication with the first lowpressure fluid delivery conduit for pumping a first fluid through thefirst low pressure fluid delivery conduit; a first set of generallydownwardly facing nozzles coupled in fluid communication with the firstlow pressure fluid delivery conduit.
 12. The vehicle washing system ofclaim 11, further comprising: a second low pressure delivery conduitsubstantially spanning the top section from the left leg to the rightleg; a second fluid delivery system in fluid communication with thesecond low pressure fluid delivery conduit for pumping a second fluidthrough the second low pressure fluid delivery conduit; a second set ofgenerally downwardly facing nozzles coupled in fluid communication withthe second low pressure fluid delivery conduit.
 13. The vehicle washingsystem of claim 12, wherein one or more nozzles of either the first orsecond set of generally downwardly facing nozzles are located proximatethe intersection between the left leg and the top section or the rightleg and the top section, and the one or more nozzles face slightlyinwardly.
 14. The vehicle washing system of claim 12, wherein the firstfluid and the second fluid are different from each other.
 15. Thevehicle washing system of claim 14, wherein one fluid of the first andsecond fluids is a wax solution and the other fluid is a spot free rinsesolution.
 16. A method of washing a vehicle utilizing a gantry stylevehicle wash system, a vehicle wash including (i) an application of apresoak solution to substantially cover the front, rear, side and topsurfaces of a vehicle and (ii) a wash cycle to rinse substantially allof the front, rear, top and side surfaces with a high pressure cleaningsolution, wherein the gantry is moveable from a forward position infront of a vehicle to a rear position that is behind the vehicle, themovement of the gantry over and around the vehicle from either a forwardor rear position to the other position defining a pass, the methodcomprising washing a vehicle in three or fewer passes.
 17. The method ofclaim 16, wherein a one pass of the application of a presoak solution,and another pass of the three or fewer passes comprises a high pressurewash cycle.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein a third pass of thethree or fewer passes comprises a dwell cycle.
 19. The method of claim17, further comprising an additional pass after the three of fewerpasses, wherein a clear coat or drying agent is applied to the vehicle.20. The method of claim 17, further comprising an additional pass afterthe three of fewer passes, wherein a spot free rinse or a soft waterrinse is applied to the vehicle.
 21. The method of claim 17, furthercomprising an additional pass after the three of fewer passes, whereinboth a clear coat and a spot free rinse are applied to the vehicle. 22.A vehicle wash system comprising: a framework; and one or more slowrotating turbo nozzles attached to the framework, each of the one ormore slow rotating turbo nozzles configured for emitting a spiralingfluid jet having a rotational rate of less than approximately 1400revolutions per minute (rpm).
 23. The vehicle wash system of claim 22,wherein each of the one or more slow rotating turbo nozzles areconfigured for emitting a spiraling fluid jet having a rotational rateof less than approximately 1400 revolutions per minute (rpm).
 24. Thevehicle wash system of claim 22, wherein the framework further comprisesan inverted u-shaped gantry, the gantry including right and left legsand a top span extending between the legs.
 25. The vehicle wash systemof claim 24, wherein the top span has one or more rotating orreciprocating members pivotally attached thereto, at least one of theone or more slow rotating turbo nozzles connected with the rotating orreciprocating members and in fluid communication with a supply ofcleaning solution.
 26. The vehicle wash system of claim 25, wherein therotating or reciprocating members are wands.
 27. The vehicle wash systemof claim 25, wherein the top span includes a vertically movableplatform, the movable platform having at least one of the one or moreslow rotating turbo nozzles connected with thereto, the one or more slowrotating turbo nozzles being in fluid communication with a supply ofcleaning solution.
 28. The vehicle wash system of claim 25, wherein atleast one of the plurality of slow rotating turbo nozzles is attached toeither the left or right legs.
 29. A vehicle wash system comprising: aframework; and one or more oscillating nozzles attached to theframework, each of the one or more oscillating nozzles configured foremitting a fluid jet having a generally linear path.
 30. The vehiclewash system of claim 29, wherein the framework further comprises aninverted u-shaped gantry, the gantry including right and left legs and atop span extending between the legs.
 31. The vehicle wash system ofclaim 30, wherein the top span has one or more rotating or reciprocatingmembers pivotally attached thereto, at least one of the one or moreoscillating nozzles connected with the rotating or reciprocating membersand in fluid communication with a supply of cleaning solution.
 32. Thevehicle wash system of claim 30, wherein the top span includes avertically movable platform, the movable platform having at least one ofthe one or more oscillating nozzles connected with thereto, the one ormore oscillating nozzles being in fluid communication with a supply ofcleaning solution.
 33. The vehicle wash system of claim 30, wherein atleast one of the plurality of oscillating nozzles is attached to eitherthe left or right legs.
 34. A high pressure nozzle for use in a vehiclewash system comprising: a nozzle body having a hollow interior; aconnector attached to the nozzle body for fluidly coupling to a highpressure fluid source; one or more fluid passageways extending from theconnector into the hollow interior, the one or more fluid passagewaysbeing configured to induce a fluid vortex with a rotational velocity notto exceed approximately 1400 revolutions per minute in the hollowinterior when in operation; a nozzle member including a nozzle orifice,the nozzle member being substantially contained within the hollowinterior for rotation substantially in unison with the fluid vortexduring operation.
 35. The nozzle of claim 34, wherein the one or morefluid passageways are configured to induce the fluid vortex with arotational velocity not to exceed approximately 1400 revolutions perminute in the hollow interior when in operation.
 36. A vehicle washingsystem comprising: a framework, the frame work including a vertical leg;and a plurality of high pressure nozzles in fluid communication with asource of cleaning solution vertically spaced in relation to each otheralong at least a portion of the vertical leg, the plurality of highpressure nozzles further including a first and second set of one or morenozzles, the first set being attached to the vertical leg generallybelow the second set; an automated control system for directing theoperation of the vehicle washing system; and one or more automatedvalves for turning on and off the flow of cleaning solution to either orboth the first and second set of valves responsive to a signal from thecontrol system, wherein the first and second set of nozzles can beoperated simultaneously or the first set of nozzles can be operatedindependent of the second set of nozzles.
 37. The vehicle washing systemof claim 36, wherein the first and second set of nozzles are fluidlyconnected in series with the cleaning solution source with the one ormore automated valves comprising a single automated valve interveningbetween the fluid connection of the first and second sets.
 38. Thevehicle washing system of claim 36, wherein the one or more automatedvalves are actuated by solenoids.
 39. The vehicle washing system ofclaim 36, wherein the plurality of nozzles are slow rotating turbonozzles.
 40. The vehicle washing system of claim 36, wherein theplurality of nozzles are oscillating nozzles.
 41. The vehicle washingsystem of claim 36, wherein the framework comprises an inverted u-shapedgantry having a left and right leg with a top span extending therebetween, and the vertical leg comprises either the left or right leg ofthe gantry.
 42. A method of washing the sides of a vehicle using agantry type vehicle washing system, the method comprising: moving agantry along a path relatively parallel to a side of the vehicle;determining the relative positions of (i) a front end of the vehicle,(ii) a rear end of the vehicle, (iii) a portion of the vehicle extendinghigher than a preset distance above ground using a control systeminterfaced with a plurality of sensors; activating a first set of one ormore high pressure nozzles to spray cleaning solution when the gantrymoves between the front end and rear end of the vehicle during a washcycle, the first set of nozzles being located on the gantry generallyvertically positioned between the ground and the preset distance;activating a second set of one or more high pressure nozzles to spraycleaning solution when the gantry moves alongside the portion of thevehicle extending higher than the preset distance during the wash cycle,the second set of nozzles being located on the gantry generallyvertically positioned above the preset distance; deactivating the secondset of one or more high pressure nozzles when the gantry moves beyondthe portion of the vehicle extending higher than the preset distanceduring the wash cycle; and deactivating both the first and second set ofone or more high pressure nozzles when the gantry moves in front of thefront end of the vehicle or behind the rear end of the vehicle.
 43. Themethod of claim 42, wherein activating the first or second set of highpressure nozzles comprises permitting a flow of cleaning solution tointo the first or second set of high pressure nozzles.
 44. The method ofclaim 43, wherein deactivating the first or second set of high pressurenozzles comprises preventing the flow of cleaning solution into thefirst or second set of high pressure nozzles.
 45. The method of claim43, wherein the flow of cleaning solution to either the first set orsecond set of high pressure nozzles is controlled by one or moresolenoid valves.
 46. The method of claim 42, wherein first set ofnozzles primarily sprays fluid jets at the side surfaces of a vehiclepositioned vertically below a hood or top surface of a trunk, and thesecond set of nozzles primarily sprays fluid jets at the side surfacesof a vehicle positioned vertically above the hood or the top surface ofthe trunk.
 47. The method of claim 42, wherein said determining therelative positions of the vehicle occurs during a first pass of thegantry along the vehicle, and said activating and deactivating of thefirst and second set of nozzles occurs during a subsequent pass of thegantry along side the vehicle, a pass comprising movement of the gantryfrom either the front or rear end of the vehicle to the other of thefront or rear end.
 48. A washing system for a vehicle: a wash bay floor;a left front tire stop located on the wash bay floor, the left fronttire stop having an inside edge and an outside edge; a right front tirestop located on the wash bay floor spaced from the left front tire stop,the right front tire stop having an inside edge and an outside edge, theright front tire stop inside edge facing and being generally parallel tothe left front tire stop inside edge; a right and left outer guidemember attached to the floor, each outer guide member having a sectionproximate and angled inwardly towards the outside edges of therespective front tire stop; an inner guide member attached to the floor,the inner guide member having (i) a left section angled outwardlygenerally towards the inside edge of the left tire stop, and (ii) aright section angled outwardly generally towards the inside edge of theright tire stop; and a framework, the framework having one or morenozzles attached to the framework, each of the one or more nozzlesconfigured for emitting a jet of cleaning solution.
 49. A method ofwashing top surfaces of a vehicle using a gantry-type vehicle washingsystem, the method comprising: moving a gantry relative to the vehiclealong a path generally parallel to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle;determining a height profile of the vehicle as the gantry is movedrelative to the vehicle along the path; vertically moving a platformcoupled with the gantry based on the height profile as the gantry ismoved relative to the vehicle along the path; and spraying a cleaningsolution onto the top surfaces of the vehicle from a plurality of turbonozzles, the turbo nozzles being coupled with the platform.
 50. Themethod of claim 49, wherein said determining a height profile furthercomprises repeatedly determining as the gantry moves along the pathwhether a height of a section of the vehicle over which the gantry ismoving is lower than one or more preset vertical distances above theground surface; and wherein said vertically moving a platform furthercomprises moving the platform to a preset position of two or more ofpreset positions above the ground surface based on a preset verticaldistance of the one or more preset vertical distances that is higherthan the height of the section.
 51. A method of washing a top surface ofa vehicle using a vehicle washing system, the method comprising:determining a height profile of the vehicle; and moving one or moreturbo nozzles disposed above the vehicle vertically to maintain adistance between the one or more nozzles and the top surface within apredetermined range of distances.
 52. The vehicle washing system ofclaim 36, wherein the plurality of nozzles are turbo nozzles.
 53. Themethod of claim 42, wherein the one or more high pressure nozzles of thefirst set are turbo nozzles.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the oneor more high pressure nozzles of the second set are turbo nozzles.
 55. Avehicle washing system comprising: a framework; a platform moveablycoupled with the framework, the platform being capable of verticalmovement relative to the framework; one or more turbo nozzles in fluidcommunication with a source of cleaning fluid coupled to the platform,the turbo nozzles being in fluid communication with a source of cleaningsolution; a plurality of turbo nozzles in fluid communication with thesource of cleaning fluid spaced vertically in relation to each other onthe framework, the plurality of turbo nozzles being segmented into afirst set and a second set, the turbo nozzles of the first set beingattached to the framework generally vertically below the nozzles of thesecond set; and one or more valves for controlling a flow of cleaningsolution to the first and second sets, wherein cleaning solution flowsto the first set and not the second set in a first mode of the one ormore valves and cleaning solution flows to both the first and secondsets in a second mode of the one or more valves.
 56. The vehicle washingsystem of claim 55, further comprising: a sensor located a presetvertical distance from a ground surface, the sensor being triggered whena section of a vehicle having a height greater than the preset verticaldistance passes in front of the sensor; and a control systemoperationally coupled with the sensor and the one or more valves;wherein the control system configures the one or more valves into (i)the first mode when the sensor is triggered, and (ii) the second modewhen the sensor is not triggered.